By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Thanksgiving feast free to everyone
Church volunteers ready to serve
Placeholder Image

Preparations are in place for anyone wanting to celebrate the holidays with a hearty feast this Thanksgiving.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. today with a free dinner at the Dawson County Board of Education's Professional Development Center, 28 Main Street, Dawsonville.

Now in its sixth year, the dinner is organized by volunteers with the local Alliance of Churches and features turkey, all the trimmings and a variety of homemade desserts.

"Knowing that there are many in the Dawsonville area who will not have the opportunity to host a dinner of their own, the Dawson County Alliance of Churches has decided each Thanksgiving to prepare and serve a full meal to anyone and everyone that would otherwise go without," said David Jordan, pastor at Grace Presbyterian.

Local churches and civic groups have contributed volunteers, decorations and utensils for the feast. They are also preparing all the food for the event.

Organizers are hoping the new locations will bring more guests to the tables.

"After several year of being hosted by Dawson County's Lakeview Center, the Thanksgiving dinner has been moved to the [board of education's] meeting room, across the street from the Food Lion shopping center downtown," Jordan said. "It is hoped that this new, central location will be more convenient for people with an interest in attending."

While initially designed for those who find themselves alone or can't afford to travel to be with family for the holiday, the dinner has grown into a community-wide and much anticipated event that welcomes everyone.